CUMBERLAND, Aug. 16 – James William Ayers Sr., 99, of Cumberland, passed away at his home on Friday, August 12, 2011.

He was a dedicated active member and former deacon of Fitzgerald Memorial Baptist Church.

For many years, Mr. Ayers and his brothers, Warren and Lin, were known as the “Ayers Boys.” Some people even called them “The Triplets.” Nearly inseparable, they farmed as one unit jointly milking cows and running the dairy farm in the early days and raising beef cattle later. They also raised tobacco, corn and wheat.

He led a simple dignified life. It was evident to all that he daily lived his Christian faith. His tenderhearted, loving manner as he served his Lord will always be an example to his family. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

Mr. Ayers is survived by a son, James William “Jimmy” Ayers Jr. (Ann) of Montpelier; two daughters, Elizabeth Anne Ayers Boyer (Daniel) of Henrico and Virginia May Ayers Robinson of Cumberland; six grandchildren, Gayle Page Robinson Leonard (Harry), Lisa Diane Robinson Allen (Robert), John David Ayers (Merrilee), Mack Hamilton Robinson Jr., Stephen Daniel Boyer (Canessa) and Donna Renee Ayers Tomlinson (Steve); and five precious great-grandchildren, Logan Eugene Allen, Shane Taylor Allen, Kendri Briar Ayers, Rylin Linnea Ayers and Taylor Renee Tomlinson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Preston Taylor Ayers, parents, Mary Susan (Molly) Huddleston Ayers (1961) and Linwood Ayers (1969), brothers and sisters, Arthur Claude Ayers (1929), Linwood Daniel Ayers (1996), Norma Ayers Jones (2004), Warren Ayers (2006) and Etta Ayers Graves Rickman (2008).

Flowers are welcome; however, those who wish may consider memorials to Fitzgerald Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 164, Cumberland, VA 23040.

The funeral service was held on Sunday, August 14, at Fitzgerald Memorial Baptist Church in Cumberland.

Dunkum Funeral Home, Dillwyn, served the family.